Prepared on Notepad by Ian Smith,
This page created 17th March 2002, updated 21st January 2011.

Optare MRL Histories

These histories are incomplete. They are being assembled as and when I find bits or chunks of data. Data comes from a variety of sources. Particularly helpful have been:


Optare demonstrators: G689 KNW 1/90 new, Optare MetroRider demonstrator, B26F+14 4/90 OB demonstrator, blue/silver (Orpington) 9/90 CT (Clapton) 9/90 WW transfer (Walthamstow) 10/90 X transfer (Westbourne Park).. 10/90 PB ..transfer (Potters Bar) 1/91 NF loan to Kentish Bus for B11 (Northfleet) 2/91 off-loan bought by Rhondda Buses 12/97 bought by Red & White H398 SYG Optare MetroRider demonstrator 1/91 NF loan to Kentish Bus for B11 (Northfleet) 2/91 off-loan H844 UUA Optare MetroRider demonstrator, B29F+13 4/91 BW demonstrator (Bow) 6/91 GM demonstrator (Victoria) 6/91 VB demonstrator (Victoria Basement) 6/91 demonstrator with Countybus 7/91 WN demonstrator on 84A (Wood Green) 8/91 demonstratore with Ensign Citybus, on 347
MRL135 H135 TGO 7/90 A new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B28F+15 (Sutton) 91-3 A 10/94 A privatised to London General 2/95 SW transfer (Stockwell) 8/95 AL transfer (Merton) 10/95 BB transfer (Battersea Base) 11/95 SW transfer 12/97 London General 1998 sold bought by Hillary, Easby, N.Yorkshire 5/00 in store, withdrawn MRL136 H136 UUA 10/90 BX new to store, London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bexleyheath) 11/90 BX into service 7/96 BX used on 278: Kidbrooke & Lewisham 12/97 BX London Central 1999 sold bought by Lloyd, Bagillt, Flint RIL 1072 reregistered 5/00 Lloyd 11/01 bought by Midway Motors, Crymmych, Pembrokeshire MRL137 H137 UUA 10/90 BX new to store, London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bexleyheath) 11/90 BX into service 12/97 BX London Central 1999 sold bought by McLennan, Laxay, Lewis MRL138 H138 UUA 11/90 BX new to store, London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bexleyheath) 11/90 BX into service 12/97 BX London Central 1998 sold sold to North East Bus Breakers MRL139 H139 UUA 11/90 BX new to store, London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bexleyheath) 11/90 BX into service 12/97 BX London Central 1998 sold sold to North East Bus Breakers by 1/01 bought by Northern Blue 02-3 Northern Blue 3/04 sold to Hardwick (Carlton) by 7/04 bought by BL Travel, Hemsworth, Yorkshire MRL140 H140 UUA 11/90 BX new to store, London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bexleyheath) 11/90 BX into service 12/97 BX London Central 1998 sold sold to North East Bus Breakers by 1/01 bought by Northern Blue 02-3 Northern Blue 3/04 sold to Hardwick (Carlton) by 7/04 bought by BL Travel, Hemsworth, Yorkshire MRL141 H141 UUA 11/90 BX new to store, London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bexleyheath) 11/90 PD change store (Plumstead) PD trainer 1/91 PD into service 2/97 transfer to East London 1997 sold sold to Mann Bus & Coach, West Bromwich MRL142 H142 UUA 12/90 OB new to Orpington Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F 1/91 PD into service (Plumstead) 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent TL (Catford) 11/97 TL into store 12727 4/98 bought by Guernseybus, #72 9/98 in service, blue/white 10/00 taken over by Island Coachways 6/10 dumped in Lineres-Boulton, Loire, France MRL143 H143 UUA 12/90 OB new to Orpington Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F 1/91 PD into service (Plumstead) 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent 12/97 Stagecoach Selkent 1998 sold bought by Country Travel, Saxmundham MRL144 H144 UUA 12/90 OB new to Orpington Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F 1/91 PD into service (Plumstead) 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent loan to Stagecoach Busways, Newcastle, #1644 12/95 return, off-loan 11/96 transfer to East London 12/97 Stagecoach East London 6/98 transfer to Stagecoach Busways, Newcastle, #1671 99-01 Stagecoach North-East by 11/02 sold to H.Ramm */03 operated by Bailey, Blackburn 12/03 returned to H.Ramm (Heywood) MRL145 H145 UUA 12/90 OB new to Orpington Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F 1/91 PD into service (Plumstead) 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent loan to Stagecoach Busways, Newcastle, #1645 12/95 return, off-loan 12/97 Stagecoach Selkent 1998 sold bought by SSB, Northallerton 11/06 on sale by e-bay by 7/08 bought by ?, Isle of Bute (minus seats) MRL146 H146 UUA 12/90 PD new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F 12/90 PD trainer (Plumstead) 1/91 PD into service 1997 sold bought by Avon Buses, Prenton, #M146 10/00 bought by Citibus, Toxteth */03 operated by "Blackburn Transport Ltd" MRL147 H147 UUA 12/90 PD new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F 12/90 PD trainer (Plumstead) 1/91 PD into service: used on 380 Abbey Wood - Lewisham 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent 12/97 Stagecoach Selkent 18264 4/98 bought by Guernseybus, #70 10/00 taken over by Island Coachways MRL148 H148 UUA 12/90 PD new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F 12/90 PD trainer (Plumstead) 1/91 PD into service 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent 12/97 Stagecoach Selkent 6/98 transfer to Stagecoach Busways, Newcastle, #1672 3/02 sold to North East Bus Breakers, (Annfield Plain) by 7/03 bought by Catch-me-bus, Blackburn */03 operated by Bailey, Blackburn 12/03 sold to H.Ramm (Heywood) MRL149 H149 UUA 12/90 PD new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F 12/90 PD trainer (Plumstead) 1/91 PD into service 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent 12/97 Stagecoach Selkent 1998 sold bought by Country Travel, Saxmundham MRL150 H150 UUA 12/90 PD new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F 12/90 PD trainer (Plumstead) 1/91 PD into service 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent TL (Catford) 11/97 TL into store 6/98 transfer to Stagecoach Busways, Newcastle, #1673 by 2/02 sold to Ramm, (Sudden) MRL151 H151 UUA 12/90 PD new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F 12/90 PD trainer (Plumstead) 1/91 PD into service 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent 12/97 Stagecoach Selkent 12723 3/98 bought by Guernseybus, #71 9/98 in service, blue/white 10/00 taken over by Island Coachways MRL152 H152 UUA 12/90 PD new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F 12/90 PD trainer (Plumstead) 1/91 PD into service 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent loan to Stagecoach Busways, Newcastle, #1692 12/95 return, off-loan 12/97 Stagecoach Selkent 912 1/98 bought by Metrobus, #912 7/00 GD (Godstone) 8/01 GD staff bus: used at Redhill Bus Stn as rest room/ferry 9/01 SJ transfer to Southlands Travel 1/02 on loan to Nu-Venture, Aylesford 5/04 SJ branded for 427 (Swanley - West Kingsdown) 6/04 SJ in service on 427 1/05 PH taken over by Sullivan Buses (Polhill) 10/05 sold to PVS (Carlton) MRL153 H153 UUA 1/91 BX new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bexleyheath) 1/91 PD into service (Plumstead) 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent loan to Stagecoach Busways, Newcastle, #1693 12/95 return, off-loan 12/97 Stagecoach Selkent 1998 sold to Holt (Bolton) by 1/01 bought by Byway, Morecambe MRL154 H154 UUA 1/91 BX new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bexleyheath) 1/91 PD into service (Plumstead) 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent 12/97 Stagecoach Selkent 1998 sold bought by George Bell, Silksworth MRL155 H155 UUA 1/91 BX new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bexleyheath) 12/97 BX London Central 1999 sold bought by BA Motors, Garndiffaith MRL156 H156 UUA 1/91 BX new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bexleyheath) 12/97 BX London Central 1998 sold bought by Dukes Travel, Berry Hill 8/01 bought by Smith, Prenton MRL157 H157 UUA 1/91 BX new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bexleyheath) 12/97 BX London Central bought by TMTravel, Old Tupton by 11/05 sold to Hardwick (Carlton) MRL158 H158 UUA 1/91 BX new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bexleyheath) 12/97 BX London Central 1998 sold bought by Dukes Travel, Berry Hill 8/01 bought by Smith, Prenton bought by Dodds, Ashington by 10/02 bought by BL Travel, Hemsworth MRL159 H159 UUA 1/91 BX new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bexleyheath) 12/97 BX London Central 1999 sold bought by Lloyd, Bagillt RIL 1067 reregistered by 1/03 bought by DSP, Blackburn */03 operated by Bailey, Blackburn 12/03 sold to H.Ramm (Heywood) 12/03 bought by Hawkes, Waunarlwydd MRL160 H160 WWT 5/91 TB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bromley) 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent 11/97 TB in store, Stagecoach Selkent 11/97 SD transfer to East London (Stratford) 6/98 transfer to Stagecoach Busways, Newcastle, #1674 8/02 sold to North East Bus Breakers (Annfield Plain) */03 operated by Bailey, Blackburn 12/03 sold to H.Ramm (Heywood) MRL161 H161 WWT 5/91 TB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bromley) 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent 12/97 in store, Stagecoach Selkent 913 12/97 GD bought by Metrobus 3/00 bought by Guernseybus, #88 10/00 taken over by Island Coachways MRL162 H162 WWT 5/91 TB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bromley) 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent 12/97 Stagecoach Selkent 6/98 transfer to Stagecoach Busways, Newcastle, #1675 by 2/02 sold to Ramm, (Sudden) loan to Huxley, Threapwood by 5/03 bought by Huxley, Threapwood MRL163 H163 WWT 5/91 TB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bromley) 7/91 TB used on Sunday 227 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent 12/97 in store, Stagecoach Selkent 913 1998 GD bought by Metrobus 47979 3/00 bought by Guernseybus, #89 10/00 taken over by Island Coachways MRL164 H564 WWR 5/91 TB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bromley) 92-3 TB 3/94 PD transfer (Plumstead) 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent TL (Catford) 11/97 TL into store 18267 2/98 bought by Guernseybus, #73 10/00 taken over by Island Coachways by 9/01 broken up MRL165 H165 WWT 5/91 TB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bromley) 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent 12/97 in store, Stagecoach Selkent 913 11/97 GD bought by Metrobus 3/00 bought by Guernseybus 10/00 taken over by Island Coachways MRL166 H166 WWT 5/91 TB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bromley) 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent 12/97 in store, Stagecoach Selkent bought by Chalkwell, Sittingbourne 9/00 bought by Highland Country by 1/08 scrapped at Fort William MRL167 H167 WWT 5/91 TB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bromley) 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent 4/95 TB used on 336 12/97 in store, Stagecoach Selkent 12/97 bought by Metrobus 19662 1/98 bought by Guernseybus, #80 10/00 taken over by Island Coachways MRL168 H168 WWT 5/91 TB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bromley) 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent 12/97 in store, Stagecoach Selkent 12/97 bought by Metrobus 19660 1/98 bought by Guernseybus, #79 10/00 taken over by Island Coachways MRL169 H169 WWT 6/91 TB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bromley) 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent 12/97 Stagecoach Selkent 1998 sold bought by Lancaster Bus, #16 8/01 bought by Eastonways, Ramsgate 02-3 Eastonways 11/04 Eastonways MRL170 H170 WWT 6/91 TB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bromley) 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent 12/97 Stagecoach Selkent 1998 transfer to Stagecoach Busways, Newcastle, #1676 5/02 sold to North East Bus Breakers (Annfield Plain) 5/02 bought by Aston Buses, Killamarsh: blue/white 2003 Aston by 11/04 bought by Northumbria Coaches MRL171 H171 WWT 6/91 TB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bromley) 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent 11/97 TB in store, Stagecoach Selkent 11/97 SD transfer to East London (Stratford) 6/98 transfer to Stagecoach Busways, Newcastle, #1677 99-01 Stagecoach North-East by 11/02 sold to Ramm, (Sudden) by 2/03 bought by Abbey Coaches, Guisborough 4/03 in service, Abbey Coaches by 11/04 scrapped MRL172 H172 WWT 6/91 TB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bromley) 92-3 TB 3/94 PD transfer (Plumstead) 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent 12/97 Stagecoach Selkent 916 1/98 bought by Metrobus, #916 7/00 GD (Godstone) 8/01 GD staff bus 12/01 GD staff bus 4/02 GD staff bus 4/03 GD withdrawn 4/03 sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet) 4/03 bought by Redroute Buses, Gravesend MRL173 H173 WWT 6/91 TB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bromley) 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent 12/97 Stagecoach Selkent 1998 sold West Lancashire Buses, Formby 9/00 North Star Buses, Kirby 1/02 bought by Eastonways, Ramsgate MRL174 H174 WWT 6/91 TB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bromley) 92-3 TB 3/94 PD transfer (Plumstead) 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent 12/97 Stagecoach Selkent 6/98 transfer to Stagecoach Busways, Newcastle, #1678 3/02 sold to North East Bus Breakers (Annfield Plain) 3/02 bought by Aston Buses, Killamarsh: blue/white 2003 Aston by 11/04 sold for scrap MRL175 H175 WWT 6/91 TB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bromley) 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent 12/97 in store, Stagecoach Selkent bought by Bevan, Berry Hill MRL176 H176 WWT 6/91 TB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Bromley) 9/94 privatised to Stagecoach Selkent 11/97 TB in store, Stagecoach Selkent 11/97 SD transfer to East London (Stratford) 3/98 transfer to Stagecoach Busways, Newcastle, #1694 99-01 Stagecoach North-East by 11/02 sold to Ramm, (Sudden) bought by Abbey Coaches, Guisborough 4/03 in service, Abbey Coaches VIL 6398 11/04 in service, Abbey Coaches: yellow livery MRL177 H677 YGO 6/91 VB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Victoria) 8/91 A transfer (Sutton) 3/92 GB transfer (Victoria Basement) 5/92 A return VLT 277 8/92 A reregistered 12/97 London General 1998 sold bought by Hillary, Easby, North Yorkshire 5/00 in store, withdrawn by 12/01 bought by Birmingham Coach Co MRL178 H678 YGO 6/91 VB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Victoria) 8/91 A transfer (Sutton) 11/94 privatised to London General 12/97 London General 1999 sold bought by Atherton Bus Co., Westhoughton MRL179 H679 YGO 6/91 VB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Victoria) 8/91 A transfer (Sutton) 10/97 bought by Epsom Buses for S1 c1/99 sold to Fleetmaster, (Horsham) 1/99 bought by Amvale, Scunthorpe 00-3 Amvale c1/04 withdrawn MRL180 H680 YGO 6/91 VB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Victoria) 8/91 A transfer (Sutton) 10/97 bought by Epsom Buses for S1 c1/99 sold to Fleetmaster, (Horsham) 1/99 bought by Armvale, Scunthorpe 10/00 Amvale, Market Weighton 01-3 Amvale by 12/03 bought by Bike Liner Coaches, Hull MRL181 H681 YGO 7/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Victoria) 8/91 A transfer (Sutton) 10/97 bought by Epsom Buses for S1 bought by Silcox, Pembroke Dock 12/01 stored at Metropolitan Omnibus, Halesden 2/02 bought by White Rose, Thorpe bought by Nu-Venture 12/02 to Southlands Coaches for spares removal 12/02 to scrap MRL182 H682 YGO 7/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Victoria) 8/91 A transfer (Sutton) 10/97 bought by Epsom Buses for S1 2/99 bought by Reading Buses c4/00 sold to Fleetmaster, (Horsham) 2/01 bought by High Rocks Minibus, Tunbridge Wells MRL183 H683 YGO 7/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Victoria) 8/91 A transfer (Sutton) 11/91 AL transfer (Merton) 1992 AL 8/93 GB transfer 1/94 AL loan.. 1/94 GB ..return.. 1/94 BB ....transfer (Battersea Base) 3/94 AL transfer 10/97 bought by Epsom Buses for S1 2/99 bought by Reading Buses c4/00 sold to Fleetmaster, (Horsham) 5/00 sold to Thomas (Slough) MRL184 H684 YGO 7/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Victoria) 10/91 A transfer (Sutton) 11/91 AL transfer (Merton) 12/91 AL used on 152 to New Malden 10/97 bought by Epsom Buses for S1 bought by Gardiners, Spennymoor MRL185 H685 YGO 7/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Victoria) 10/91 A transfer (Sutton) 11/91 AL transfer (Merton) 1992 AL 8/93 GB transfer 11/93 AL return 10/97 bought by Epsom Buses for S1 bought by Gardiners, Spennymoor 2/03 in service, Gardiners
MRL185 in Durham, Feb 2003 MRL185 in Durham, Feb 2003
MRL185, with Gardiners, in Durham in February 2003.

MRL186 H686 YGO  7/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Victoria)
                10/91 A  transfer (Sutton)
                11/91 AL transfer (Merton)
                 1992 AL
                 8/93 GB transfer
                 1/94 AL return..
                 1/94 SW ..transfer (Stockwell)
                 2/94 BB transfer (Battersea Base)
                 3/94 AL transfer 
                10/97    bought by Epsom Buses for S1 
                c1/99    sold to Fleetmaster, (Horsham)
                 1/99    bought by Amvale, Scunthorpe
                 00-3    Amvale
                c1/04    withdrawn

MRL187 H687 YGO  7/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Victoria)
                11/91 HT transfer, trainer (Holloway)..
                11/91 A  ..transfer (Sutton)..
                11/91 AL ....transfer (Merton)
                      GB
                 1/94 AL loan..
                 1/94 GB ..return..
                 1/94 BB ....transfer (Battersea Base)
                 4/94 AL transfer 
                10/97    bought by Epsom Buses for S1 
                 2/99    bought by Reading Buses, #687
                c4/00    sold to Fleetmaster, (Horsham)
                 2/01    bought by High Rocks Minibus, Tunbridge Wells

MRL188 H688 YGO  7/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Victoria)
                11/91 AL transfer, trainer, then service (Sutton)
                 3/92 GB transfer (Victoria Basement)
                 5/92 AL return 
                10/97    bought by Epsom Buses for S1 
                 2/99    bought by Reading Buses, #688 
                c4/00    sold to Fleetmaster, (Horsham)
              by 3/01    bought by Darwen Coach Services

MRL189 H689 YGO  7/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Victoria)
                11/91 HT transfer, trainer (Holloway)..
                11/91 A  ..transfer (Sutton)..
                11/91 AL ....transfer (Merton)
                 3/92 GB transfer (Victoria Basement)
                 5/92 AL return  
                10/97    bought by Epsom Buses for S1 
                         bought by Silcox, Pembroke Dock
                12/01    stored at Metropolitan Omnibus, Harlesden
                 5/02    bought by Nu-Venture, Aylesford
                 1/04    Nu-Venture
                 2/04    sold
              by 5/07    converted for use as caravan 

MRL190 H690 YGO  7/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Victoria)
                11/91 A  transfer (Sutton)
                12/91 GB return
                 92-3 GB
                 1/94 SW transfer (Stockwell)
                12/97    London General 
                 6/99    transfer to London Central
                 1999    sold
                         bought by White Star, Lockerbie
                 8/02    bought by Reay, Wigton
                10/03    sold to Nuttall, Penwortham
       YKU 717           reregistered
                10/03    sold to Moseley, South Elmsall
              by 5/07    with Click Services, Skelmersdale

MRL191 J691 CGK  7/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Victoria)
                11/91 A  transfer (Sutton)
                 1/92 GB return
                 3/92 A  transfer
                 5/92 GB return
                 1993 GB
                 1/94 BB transfer (Battersea Base)
                 3/94 SW transfer (Stockwell)
                12/97    London General 
                         bought by Hillary, Easby, North Yorkshire 
                         sold to Coachmasters, (Melling) 
                 9/04    bought by Timeline, Bolton

MRL192 J692 CGK  7/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Victoria)
                 4/92 GB used on Rembrandt Shuttle
                 1993 GB
                 1/94 BB transfer (Battersea Base)
                 3/94 SW transfer (Stockwell)
                12/97    London General
                 1998    sold
                         bought by Pride of the Dales
              by 4/05    bought by Sunrise, West Bromwich
                         bought by East-West Travel, Tipton
              by 3/06    bought by Gold Travel, West Bromwich

MRL193 J693 CGK  7/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Victoria)
                 92-3 GB
                 1/94 BB transfer (Battersea Base)
                      BB used on C1
                 3/94 SW transfer (Stockwell)
                12/97    London General
                 1998    sold
             by 12/01    bought by Cityspeed, Smethwick
              by 6/02    bought by East-West Travel, West Bromwich
                 1/06    bought by Gold Travel, West Bromwich

MRL194 J694 CGK  8/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Victoria)
                 92-3 GB
                 1/94 SW transfer (Stockwell)
                10/94 SW privatised to London General
                 8/95 AL transfer (Merton)
                12/97    London General
                 1998    sold  
                10/98    bought by Blackburn Transport, #614
                 7/05    bought by Beekman, Airdrie 
                 8/08    sold to Dunsmore (Larkhall) 

MRL195 J695 CGK  8/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Victoria)
                 92-3 GB
                 1/94 BB transfer (Battersea Base)
                 4/94 SW transfer (Stockwell)
                10/94 SW privatised to London General
                 8/95 AL transfer (Merton)
                12/97    London General
                 1998    sold
                         bought by Hillary, Easby, North Yorkshire

MRL196 J696 CGK  8/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Victoria)
                 92-3 GB
                 1/94 BB transfer (Battersea Base)
                 4/94 SW transfer (Stockwell)
                10/94 SW privatised to London General
                 8/95 AL transfer (Merton)
                12/97    London General
                         transfer to London Central
                 6/98    transfer to London General
                 1999    sold
              by 3/01    bought by Phoenix North West, Blackpool
                 9/02    bought by Lafferty, Glenboig 
                 1/08    scrapped

MRL197 J697 CGK  8/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Victoria)
                 1992 GB
                 8/93 GB in store, ..and out
                 1/94 SW transfer (Stockwell)
                10/94 SW privatised to London General
                 8/95 AL transfer (Merton)
                12/97    London General
                 1/99    bought by Blackburn Transport, #604
                11/00    bought by Preston Bus, #41
                         bought by Pride of the Dales, Threshfield
       VIA 8860          reregistered
                 2/03    in service, Pride of the Dales
       J697 CGK          Town Lynx, St.Helens
              by 8/06    bought by Click Services, Pemberton
                 5/07    with Click Services, Skelmersdale

MRL198 J698 CGK  8/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Victoria)
        698 DYE  8/92 GB re-registered
                 1993 GB
                 1/94 BB transfer (Battersea Base)
                 3/94 SW transfer (Stockwell)
                12/97    London General
                12/98    bought by Nu-Venture, Aylesford: route-branded for 123
                99-03    Nu-Venture
              by 1/04    withdrawn, cannibalised
                 9/05    sold to Wealden PSV
                12/05    scapped by Mayer Parry, Ridham Dock

MRL199 J699 CGK  8/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Victoria)
                 92-3 GB
                 1/94 SW transfer (Stockwell)
                 */95 SW used on C10, Streetline livery
                12/97    London General
                 1/99    bought by Blackburn Transport, #605
                11/00    bought by Preston Bus, #42

MRL200 J710 CGK  8/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Victoria)
                 9/91 GB into Streetline livery
                 92-3 GB
                 1/94 BB transfer (Battersea Base)
                 9/94 AL transfer (Merton)
                11/94 AL privatised to London General
                12/97    London General  
                10/98    bought by Blackburn Transport, #610
              by 3/02    bought by B Line, Kinsley
              by 8/04    with Harrogate Coach Travel

MRL201 J701 CGK  8/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Victoria)
                 9/91 GB into Streetline livery
                 92-3 GB
                 1/94 BB transfer (Battersea Base)
                 9/94 AL transfer (Merton)
                11/94 AL privatised to London General
                12/97    in store, London General 
                10/98    bought by Blackburn Transport, #611
                 7/05    bought by Second City, Birmingham

MRL202 J702 CGK  8/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Victoria)
                 9/91 GB into Streetline livery
                 3/92 AL transfer (Merton)
                 5/92 GB return
                 1993 GB
                 1/94 SW transfer (Stockwell)
                 2/94 BB transfer (Battersea Base)
                10/94 AL transfer (Merton)
                11/94 AL privatised to London General
                12/97    London General 
                 1/98    transfer to London Central
                 1998    sold

MRL203 J703 CGK  8/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F (Victoria)
                 9/91 GB into Streetline livery
                 3/92 AL transfer (Merton)
                 5/92 GB return
                 1993 GB
                 1/94 BB transfer (Battersea Base)
                 9/94 AL transfer (Merton)
                11/94 AL privatised to London General
                12/97    London General 
                10/98    bought by Blackburn Transport, #613
                 7/05    bought by Second City, Birmingham

MRL204 J704 CGK  9/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F:
                         in Streetline livery (Victoria)
                 92-3 GB
                 1/94 BB transfer (Battersea Base)
                 3/94 SW transfer (Stockwell)
                 4/94 BB return
                 9/94 AL transfer (Merton)
                11/94 AL privatised to London General
                12/97    London General
                 1/99    bought by Blackburn Transport, #606

MRL205 J705 CGK  9/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F:
                      GB in Streetline livery (Victoria)
                 4/92 AL transfer (Merton)
                 5/92 GB return
                 1993 GB
                 1/94 BB transfer (Battersea Base)
                 9/94 AL transfer (Merton)
                11/94 AL privatised to London General
                12/97    London General
                12/98    bought by Nu-Venture, Aylesford: route-branded for 123
                99-03    Nu-Venture
                 1/04    Nu-Venture
                 3/06    sold to Wealden PSV

MRL206 J706 CGK  9/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F:
                         in Streetline livery (Victoria)
                 92-3 GB
                 1/94 BB transfer (Battersea Base)
                 9/94 AL transfer (Merton)
                11/94 AL privatised to London General
                12/97    London General
                         transfer to London Central
                 6/98    transfer to London General
                 1999    sold
             by 11/00    bought by Northern Blue
                11/00    sold to Holt, (Bolton)  
             by  2/03    bought by B Line, Kinsley 

MRL207 J707 CGK  9/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F:
                         in Streetline livery (Victoria)
                 92-3 GB
                 1/94 BB transfer (Battersea Base)
                 9/94 AL transfer (Merton)
                11/94 AL privatised to London General
                12/97    London General
                10/98    sold 
             by 10/04    bought by Cityways, Smethwick 

MRL208 J708 CGK  9/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F:
                         in Streetline livery (Victoria)
                 92-3 GB
                 1/94 BB transfer (Battersea Base)
                 9/94 AL transfer (Merton)
                11/94 AL privatised to London General
                12/97    London General 
                10/98    bought by Blackburn Transport, #612

MRL209 J709 CGK  9/91 GB new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F:
                         in Streetline livery (Victoria)
                 92-3 GB
                 1/94 BB transfer (Battersea Base)
                 9/94 AL transfer (Merton)
                11/94 AL privatised to London General
                12/97    London General
                 1998    sold
                         bought by Scarlet Band, West Cornforth, Co.Durham

MRL210 J210 BWU 11/91 HT new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Holloway) 92-3 HT 10/94 HT privatised to MTL London 9/95 PB transfer (Potters Bar) 12/97 MTL London 40527 9/98 bought by Guernseybus, #65 10/00 taken over by Island Coachways J210 BWU 2/03 bought by James, Caerphilly Perry, Bromyard J555 RML 2/07 bought by RML Travel, Burslem, reregistered MRL211 J211 BWU 11/91 HT new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Holloway) 10/94 privatised to MTL London 12/97 MTL London 1998 sold to Fleetlink by 12/99 bought by Compass, Worthing bought by Abbey Coaches, Guisborough 11/04 in service, Abbey Coaches MRL212 J212 BWU 11/91 HT new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Holloway) 92-3 HT 10/94 HT privatised to MTL London 9/95 PB transfer (Potters Bar) 12/97 MTL London 1998 sold to Fleetlink by 12/99 bought by Compass, Worthing MRL213 J213 BWU 11/91 HT new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Holloway) 10/94 privatised to MTL London 12/97 MTL London taken over by Metroline 7/00 HT used on W5 5/01 sold to Holt, (Bolton) bought by Pride of the Dales, Threshfield VIA 785 reregistered 2/03 in service, Pride of the Dales by 1/05 bought by Sunrise Travel, West Bromwich MRL214 J214 BWU 11/91 HT new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Holloway) 92-3 HT 10/94 HT privatised to MTL London 9/95 PB transfer (Potters Bar) 12/97 MTL London 1998 sold 48161 9/98 bought by Guernseybus, #66 10/00 taken over by Island Coachways MRL215 J215 BWU 11/91 HT new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Holloway) 12/91 PD transfer (Plumstead) 2/92 HT return 10/94 privatised to MTL London 12/97 MTL London taken over by Metroline 7/00 HT used on W5 5/01 sold to Holt, (Bolton) 9/02 bought by Lafferty, Glenboig 1/08 scrapped MRL216 J216 BWU 11/91 HT new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Holloway) 92-3 HT 10/94 HT privatised to MTL London 9/95 PB transfer (Potters Bar) 12/97 MTL London 1998 sold 17314 9/98 bought by Guernseybus, #67 10/00 taken over by Island Coachways */03 bought by Wilson, Gourock 10/05 bought by Thomson, Glasgow MRL217 J217 BWU 1/92 HT new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Holloway) 10/94 privatised to MTL London 12/97 MTL London taken over by Metroline 7/00 HT used on W5 5/01 sold to Holt, (Bolton) 9/01 on loan to Northdown Motors Services, Mitcham by 3/02 bought by Bus4U Travel, Smethwick by 1/05 bought by Sunrise Travel, West Bromwich MRL218 J218 BWU 1/92 HT new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Holloway) 92-3 HT 10/94 HT privatised to MTL London 9/95 PB transfer (Potters Bar) 12/97 MTL London 1998 sold 56206 9/98 bought by Guernseybus, #68 10/00 taken over by Island Coachways MRL219 J219 BWU 1/92 HT new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Holloway) 10/94 privatised to MTL London 12/97 MTL London taken over by Metroline 7/00 HT used on W5 5/01 sold to Holt, (Bolton) by 3/02 bought by Bus4U Travel, Smethwick MRL220 J220 BWU 2/92 HT new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Holloway) 92-3 HT 10/94 HT privatised to MTL London 9/95 PB transfer (Potters Bar) 12/97 MTL London 1998 sold 20716 9/98 bought by Guernseybus, #69 10/00 taken over by Island Coachways MRL221 J221 BWU 2/92 HT new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Holloway) 11/91 HT used on W5 to Archway 10/94 privatised to MTL London 12/97 MTL London taken over by Metroline 7/00 HT used on W5 5/01 sold to Holt, (Bolton) bought by Frimley Coaches, Aldershot sold to Nash, (Weybridge) 6/03 bought by Mr.Broomhead, IOW for conversion to caravan
MRL222 K422 HWY 2/93 HT new to store, London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Holloway) 3/93 HT into service 10/94 privatised to MTL London 12/97 MTL London taken over by Metroline 7/00 HT used on W5 5/01 sold to Holt, (Bolton) bought by Pride of the Dales, Threshfield VIA 179 reregistered 2/03 in service, Pride of the Dales by 12/05 bought by Banga, Wolverhampton MRL223 K223 MGT 2/93 GB new to store, London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Victoria) 3/93 GB into service 1/94 SW transfer (Stockwell) 2/94 BB transfer (Battersea Base) 9/94 AL transfer (Merton) 11/94 AL privatised to London General 12/97 London General 10/98 bought by Blackburn Transport, #615 12/05 bought by B-Line, Royston, S.Yorkshire
MRL223 P448 SWX 4/97 PB bought by MTL London, 9.2m Optare MetroRider (Potters Bar) 1997 PB used on W4 12/97 PB taken over by Metroline 7/00 HT used on W5 5/01 HR transfer: retained as spare for H1,H2,H3 (Harlesden) 3/02 HR 10/02 NW transfer (North Wembley) 9/04 PV transfer (Perivale) 6/05 used on H2 6/05 PV withdrawn 7/05 sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet) 7/05 bought by Shamrock Buses, South Wales MRL224 P449 SWX 4/97 PB bought by MTL London, Optare MetroRider (Potters Bar) for W4 12/97 PB taken over by Metroline 7/00 HT used on W5 5/01 HR transfer: retained as spare for H1,H2,H3 (Harlesden) 3/02 HR 10/02 NW transfer (North Wembley) 9/04 PV transfer (Perivale) 6/05 PV withdrawn 7/05 sold to Ensign Bus (Purfleet) 7/05 bought by Shamrock Buses, South Wales
MRL224 K424 HWY 1993 BX new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Bexleyheath) 12/97 BX London Central 1999 sold bought by Phoenix North West, Blackpool by 7/01 bought by George Bell, Sunderland by 10/02 bought by Gillen, Port Glasgow by 12/03 bought by Bike Liner Coaches, Hull MRL225 K425 HWY 3/93 BX new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Bexleyheath) 12/97 BX London Central 10/94 privatised to London Central 1999 sold bought by Phoenix North West, Blackpool c1/02 bought by T M Travel, Old Tupton by 4/04 bought by Aston, Killamarsh, #42 MRL226 K426 HWY 3/93 BX new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Bexleyheath) 10/94 privatised to London Central 12/97 BX London Central 1999 sold 2000 exported to New Zealand: Hamilton City Buses MRL227 K427 HWY 1993 BX new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Bexleyheath) 12/97 BX London Central 1999 sold bought by Dawlish Transport 6/00 in service, Dawlish Coaches by 9/03 bought by Country Bus, Newton Abbott Alansway Coaches, moved to Heathfield by 4/05 bought by Caradon Riviera, Upton Cross, Cornwall MRL228 K428 HWY 4/93 BX new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Bexleyheath) 12/97 BX London Central 6/99 transfer to London General 1999 sold bought by Heyfordian, Upper Heyford 9/00 accident damage, Wantage MRL229 K429 HWY 4/93 BX new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Bexleyheath) 10/94 privatised to London Central 12/97 BX London Central 1999 sold 2000 exported to New Zealand: Hamilton City Buses MRL230 K430 HWY 1993 BX new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Bexleyheath) 12/97 BX London Central 1999 sold bought by Weardale Motor Services MRL231 K431 HWY 1993 BX new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Bexleyheath) 12/97 BX London Central 1999 sold bought by Chase Coaches, Chasetown MRL232 K432 HWY 4/93 BX new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Bexleyheath) 10/94 privatised to London Central 12/97 BX London Central 1999 sold 2000 exported to New Zealand: Hamilton City Buses MRL233 K433 HWY 4/93 BX new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Bexleyheath) 10/94 privatised to London Central 12/97 BX London Central 1999 sold 2000 exported to New Zealand: Hamilton City Buses MRL234 K434 HWY 3/93 BX new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Bexleyheath) 10/94 privatised to London Central 12/97 BX London Central 1999 sold bought by Heyfordian, Upper Heyford MRL235 K435 HWY 1993 BX new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Bexleyheath) 12/97 BX London Central 4/99 bought by Chase Coaches, Chasetown 00-3 Chase Coaches by 2/04 sold MRL236 K436 HWY 4/93 BX new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Bexleyheath) 10/94 privatised to London Central 12/97 BX London Central 1999 sold 2000 exported to New Zealand: Hamilton City Buses MRL237 K437 HWY 4/93 BX new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Bexleyheath) 10/94 privatised to London Central 12/97 BX London Central 1999 sold bought by Phoenix North West, Blackpool c1/02 bought by T M Travel, Old Tupton MRL238 K438 HWY 4/93 BX new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Bexleyheath) 3/95 BX used on 291 12/97 BX London Central 5/99 transfer to London General 1999 sold 2000 exported to New Zealand: Hamilton City Buses MRL239 K439 HWY 4/93 BX new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Bexleyheath) 10/94 privatised to London Central 12/97 BX London Central 1999 sold 2000 exported to New Zealand: Hamilton City Buses MRL240 K440 HWY 4/93 BX new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Bexleyheath) 10/94 privatised to London Central 12/97 BX London Central 10/99 sold 6/00 bought by Bell, South Hylton bought by Gillen, Port Glasgow 12/03 bought by Business Buses, Kilwinning 5/08 sold to End of Life Vehicles, Rutherglen MRL241 K441 HWY 4/93 BX new to London Buses, Optare MetroRider MR03, B26F+14 (Bexleyheath) 10/94 privatised to London Central 12/97 BX London Central 1999 sold 2000 exported to New Zealand: Hamilton City Buses
D632 NOE West Midlands PTE, MCW Metrorider MF150, B23F 11/93 OB loan to Orpington Buses 1692 K165 FYG Newcastle Busways, Optare MetroRider B29F, yellow/maroon 10/95 OB loan to Orpington Buses 11/95 returned to Busways 1693 K166 FYG Newcastle Busways, Optare MetroRider B29F, yellow/maroon 10/95 OB loan to Orpington Buses 11/95 returned to Busways

Histories: Red MRs. Other MRs. Red Optare MRLs. Other Optare MRLs.


Ian's Bus Stop Red MRs: text. Red Optare MRLs. Other MRLs: text. MR photos.